Economic Development

City Planning

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DENVER – Mayor Hancock and City Librarian Shirley Amore led library-lovers and city service supporters through the doors of the Central Library on Saturday morning to announce the city’s first round of expanded library hours for nine branches citywide.
The event marks the beginning of the significant improvements Measure 2A, passed in 2012, will have on every Denver neighborhood.

“Thanks to Denver voters' overwhelming support of Measure 2A, we are able to eliminate the budget deficit, restore essential services and put Denver on a path to full economic recovery,” Mayor Hancock said. “Our plan to Deliver Denver’s Future is made possible by these critical investments and will allow us to deliver a smart, 21st century city that is built on a solid financial foundation with good jobs, healthy children, accessible libraries and safe streets.”

The City and County of Denver is moving quickly to restore essential services. Ultimately, 21 of the Denver Public Library’s 25 locations will expand their hours. The Denver Public Library system will be open 40 percent more with every branch open a minimum of 48 hours, or 6 days per week.

“We are extremely thankful to Denver residents for voting for 2A, which allows us to better serve our community after years of budget cuts and reduced library hours,” said Shirley Amore, City Librarian. “The announcement of these nine branches today means 128 additional hours per week of service to our patrons. We expect to implement all the expanded library hours by the end of April.”

Library hours will be expanded as follows:

Today, February 16: The Central Library will be open at 9 a.m., increasing operating hours from 52 to 56 hours per week. The Ford-Warren Branch is currently operating at expanded hours, with two additional days per week.

Week of February 18: The Smiley Branch Library and Ross-Broadway Branch Library will be open two additional days per week, increasing operating hours from 32 to 48 per week.

March 4: The Hampden Branch Library and Decker Branch Library will be open two additional days, increasing operating hours from 32 to 48 per week.

March 11: The Ross-Cherry Creek Branch Library will be opening two additional days, increasing operating hours from 32 to 48 per week.

March 18: The Schlessman Family Branch Library will be increasing operating hours from 36 to 48 hours per week.

The passage of Measure 2A in November allows the city to catch up on childcare, after-school and recreational programs for our children, repave 300 lane miles of city streets, and increase the maintenance and upkeep of our parks. It allows Denver to hire 100 new police officers and firefighters. Recently the Denver Police Department began administering testing to establish the first police academy class in four years.

The city is working to double Denver’s property tax credit for low-income seniors and people with disabilities. Denver is also working to attract new businesses as well as keep and expand companies already located in the city.

Measure 2A revenues are publicly dedicated to these efforts. To deliver on the Hancock administration’s promise to be responsible, accountable and transparent with every dollar, the Chief Financial Officer will provide detailed annual reports to the Mayor’s Office, the City Council and City Auditor as well as an e-newsletter to keep Denverites fully informed.

At the same time, the city is delivering on a balanced fiscal strategy to find efficiencies, eliminate redundancies and grow Denver’s economy.

“On Day One of my administration, we hit the ground running to put Denver on a path to long-term fiscal sustainability. In November, together, we took an important step in that direction. I am inspired by Denver’s continued commitment to make our great city even greater,” Mayor Hancock said.

CLICK HERE for more information about the city’s plan to Deliver Denver’s Future.